Time Flies When You're Having Fun....

That saying could not be more true, and how humbled I am to be able to say that phrase. Since my last post here are a few things that have happened in His story He's written for me....

1. Graduated college(with a GoPro on my forehead! I think I was the first student in A&M history to do so...still can't believe I followed through with it).

2.  Served at Pine Cove Christian Camps for the summer....jeez louise I wish I could put into words our Lord's work over this summer. Ha! But I guess that's it- He is indescribable. I'm so thankful for the friendships that I made with the leadership team and staff and the opportunities He gave to live and breathe His word daily, all the while showing me His JOY and humor at camp. For example, on July 25th we have this HUGE "Christmas in July" day where we deck out the dining hall! Our God is BIG, bigger than we can imagine, and while He does not need you or me to do anything, He has chosen us to be ambassadors of Christ to represent our Savior to the world.

3. Although I didn't get to see many college friends over the summer, I did get to see two get hitched! Carson married his beautiful bride, Kelsey, and Julie married Kerr! 

4. After the summer ended I spent a week at home. Most of my friends began the trek to their new cities. Knowing where God has placed all of them is surreal, and humbling to know where He has placed them to be lights. Let's see...my friends moved everywhere including: Dallas, Austin, Houston, Galveston, Nashville, New York, Idaho, Denver, North Carolina, Lafayette, Alaska, Paris, and even Lancer(below) moved to India for the year!

5. At the end of it, here I am living in a new city, with a new job...completely out of my element. Yet He is good. Where did I end up you say? Well, God placed me in good ol' Houston, TX. Home of the not so good Astros, but surprisingly good Texans! P.S.- I live next to an old quarterback for the Houston Oilers...??? Life after college is just so different, but He is ever present. Immanuel.

 This picture doesn't capture the beauty of the sunset, but it was serene and majestic on that run that day. I still can't believe that I am a "working woman", yet alone working for a natural gas company, but I'm so thankful for every bit of it. 

The transition hasn't been paradise, and by no means has it been completely easy, but every day God continues to show me how He is enough. He's already blessed me with wonderful friends in Houston and fun memories of getting to know a new city. I miss my fam and college friends, but even though the relationships look different, they are just as sweet. Who would have known after going to the rodeo for the first time with the roomies last year I would be living here. I'm so excited to see what He has in store :)

Guys and Dolls with some Houston girls

My girls and roomies, at the rodeo last year- who would have known I would be here now?

A Potential Beginning

I'm sitting here in Blue Baker trying to start my last day of reading and studying, and God just keeps stirring my heart for missions. I have no idea what He is beginning, but I know I need to share this to you. One of my role models in life, Mandy Sisco, keeps a blog and has recently talked about the PCM ministries. I only looked at the website today and found myself opening their blog. As I read and looked through the pictures, I found myself glued to this ministry and this man in particular, Emmy. Out of joy and who knows what else, I began to cry. What? Cry!? I'm asking myself the same question haha. Maybe the Lord is planting a seed for this ministry in my heart, or just missions in general, but I know I need to share this. Maybe this will simply challenge us to be in prayer for them, to consider to sponsor a child like Blessing, or just to open your eyes to look outside of our comfortable lives. I'm not sure, but here is Parental Control Ministries...

p.s.- apparently some Aggie students are already helping with the agriculture side of the ministry, and Emmy recently came to A&M! Who would have known?!

Penne and Me

I was recently reminded of one of my utmost favorite songs! Classic Hanson, Penny and me. My mother spells her name like the pasta and I always think about how much my dad loves my mom when I listen to this song, so instead of Hanson's "Penny", I think of my mom, Penne.  I love my mother so much, and I have genuinely never met anyone as selfless are her. She is a silent-strong warrior, and such a prayerful person. She is faithful to her family, husband, church, friends, and students. She cries for others. Mom would drop anything to help you out. She would cancel important meetings and appointments just to come down to College Station a day earlier than scheduled to help me out. She would take in an Army into her home if asked, and she would give her life for her children. She has. My mother is one of my heroes, and if I can give just a percent of what she has given me to my children, I would be thankful.  I am so thankful for how she loves me, puts up with me, and comforts me. It is so sweet to see how our relationship is becoming more like a friendship than parent and child. Love you Mommy.

Enjoy this song, it's so good!

 

Joyfully His, 

Lex

Lespwa means Hope

 

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
   a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. "

Psalm 51:7

Lespwa means Hope. Ssekos. Della. Be the Joy.  Seeds for Help.

Prelude: Tonight at dinner, my dearest friend Elizabeth and I were discussing about the phrase "break my heart for what breaks Yours", and how we interpret it. Elizabeth's story alone is an inspiration, and she constantly challenges me. She mentioned how when she prays that phrase or dwells upon it, she's asking God to break her heart for those around her. How could she be used in the lives of those in her realm. I discussed how I think about that phrase in reference to my own sin and those lost around the world. Either way the Lord stirs your heart when He mentions it, I often forget how apathetic I can be sometimes when He calls me to have a heart like Him.

Last night at our sorority meeting we had three men come and share their story of how they decided to make a difference in doing something bigger than themselves...

As an inspiration, here are these men and other neat organizations/movements of people taking advantage of opportunities God gives them to spread His gospel and bless others, including some that my dear friends are a part of. My prayer is that we would daily ask God to break our hearts for what breaks His so that we would naturally yearn to fulfill our calling for the poor, lost, and broken. Maybe will see areas within our selves that God is broken over or areas within others.



Here is a video of the guys we met at our meeting...funny and passionate men, follow them on facebook and twitter! They could potentially come to your University!

 lespwameanshope.org

Here's an incredible video from InvisibleChildren on one of their campaigns called MEND
    A MUST WATCH

My big in my sorority works for this company!
Ssekos

Another girl in my sorority started this Non-profit called Be The Joy.

Be The Joy, Inc. is a non-profit organization designed to help send girls to school in Uganda, East Africa. By educating young women in this developing country, we can provide a better life for them and generations to follow. All profits earned from heartbeads, JoyNotes, Tees, or other merchandise help pay for girls school fees. Join the movement in educating the youth of Uganda today! Watch this video for more information

 Seeds of Help  

-non-profit helping children in Guatemala 

Other organizations making a difference:

Della-an organization helping women in Ghana

http://www.onemangotree.com/  - Bags helping women in Northern Uganda

http://www.keza.com - a more "upscale" company helping women in Rwanda

My purpose of this post is to not convict you to spend money or feel compelled to purchase from these organizations. Rather to hopefully encourage you to see peers and older men and women committing their lives to give back to those in need. Sometimes I get so cooped up in my bubble of what my day -to-day tasks are that I forget how much of the world I can be in prayer for when no tangible means of helping them are possible. May He break our hearts for what breaks His.

Joyfully His, 

Lex

Snowboards, Wipeouts, and Everything in between

So that is definitely not me, but we just finished our first day of boarding! I forget how much I love the snow, mountains, and snowboarding. This is also our first full day of spring break in Steamboat and it has been filled with great memories as well...

This morning we all woke up on our own, and went down stairs to have coffee and time with the Lord. I am incredibly blessed to be surrounded my Godly women that spur me on to want to pursue Him harder. (I think that its great to have friends encourage us to spend time with the Lord, but please check your motives in that you're not wanting to just read the bible in front of others, just so they know you are reading the bible. I have definitely been guilty of that before).

We hit the slopes, and had so much fun with everyone. One thing I love about snowboarding and skiing is that you get to be with all your friends, yet it's such a time to yourself as well. Another thing I love are the ski lifts. Well sometimes I dread them because I ALWAYS fall! It's genuinely so funny, haha, but I also love them because they allow you to just take in God's creation(never forget to look back when you're going up and see the view!) and potentially get to meet new friends from around the country. While on some lifts today, we met Mary Beth from Colorado, Betsy from Nashville, and a father and son from New Jersey. I just want to encourage you to take advantage of those 15 minutes you have to meet someone.

 The first part of the day was filled with falls and wipeouts, some scary ones and hilarious ones too, but you just got to keep a smile on your face :) After a fun lunch with all our friends we hit the slopes again, only this time I realized I forgot to put sunscreen on(don't tell my parents)...oops! Tomorrow I will have to lather it to make-up from today. I also decided to listen to music while boarding and it was the neatest thing to be able to praise God through worship while boarding. I only wore one headphone in so that I could hear what else was going on.

Now I am sitting in our room, Julie's napping, some girls are reading, and all of us our resting our bodies. Let's just say I won't be surprised if I can't move in the morning. All the girls are about to go to dinner in an hour, hopefully I'll keep you updated more often :) Here's some scripture I read this morning, and even in a small way it applies to all of us here because it's so easy for us to feel dehydrated and want some water while in the mountains, yet He is our wellspring of life.

 ⁷ When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” ⁸ (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

 ⁹ The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

 ¹⁰ Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

 ¹¹ “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? ¹² Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

 ¹³ Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, ¹⁴ but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

John 4:7-13

Sunrises

Well I am currently on my senior spring break trip!!! Wahoo! Go crazy!!!....just kidding. ha!

Since freshman year, I've learned that spring break trips can be incredibly glorifying to God, and I can't say if this trip so far has been glorifying to Him(I hope so), but I do know He has used it already for some great reflection and reading time with His word. Please allow me to inform you on some other things that have happened.

So currently, I am writing you from the La Quinta in Pueblo, Colorado. Home of the fighting Mountain Lizards. Okay, I made up the mascot, but I'm just trying to get in the "Mountain mood" :) It is currently 7:25 a.m. and the past 145 minutes have already been emotionally up and down.

First off, yes, I woke up at 5. Naturally. You may ask our Lord, "why did she do that?", well, I'm still pondering that myself, but over the morning I think it's just God graciously giving me the opportunity to watch one of my Simple Joys... a sunrise from beginning to end.

How can you not see God in sunrises or sunsets? Peaceful, majestic, calming, powerful, gentle, refreshing...all are adjectives I would use to describe sunrises.

This morning I was also informed that a friend of a friend, Kiefer Holman, was confirmed to have passed away from a canoeing accident. Be joyful for he knew Christ as His savior, so we can rejoice that Kiefer is in a far better place right now, but please be in prayer for his family and friends.

This morning, I read John and for some reason the story of Jesus clearing the temple just hit me. His frustration of the market sellers was so easy to understand.

 Imagine wanting to worship our Father in a church and finding it used for worldly things. How would you feel?

 We were uniquely created to worship our Father, and He designed this earth so accommodating to our needs, in order for us to praise Him, and yet here we are like the market sellers. We have polluted His creation with adult lounges, places lifting up false Gods, and developing industries/lifestyles so engrossed in promoting ourselves that we forget to keep the main thing, the main thing- which is the Gospel. A story of how life is given through the overcoming of death. From the rising of a sunset(reminder of life) to Kiefer's death, I can't help to think about the cross.

Our God who sent His only son. A son who lived a perfect life, and yet was sentenced to die because He is "the King of Jews." Because He is our King, He died a painful death for me and you, and yet overcame and resurrected!  No gift can we get to repay Him or that equates to a thank-you. He died so that we may find life in Him! What?!?  I'm speechless. Why?

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" -John 14:6

Crazy morning. Great morning. Stirring thoughts. Maybe next time you get to watch a sunrise you'll be reminded of His grace, power, and love for you.

Back on the road to Steamboat, Colorado!

Book Sculptures

I would like to introduce you to Sir Nicholas Jones. Well, I'm sure he goes by just Nicholas, but I think he is deserving of the title. Sir Nicholas is a book sculptor. Yes, a book sculptor. Take a look. Be inspired. p.s.- This is getting me really excited about Tell Your Story, which is less than two weeks away!!! Please pray for hearts and lives to be moved and encouraged through the forum! Now I present to you the work of Sir Nicholas Jones...

Princesitas de Jesus

Hello again,

   It's been a while, and I do have a lot to catch you up on, but in the mean time I would like to post you a letter I wrote to my supporters. "Supporters of what?" you might ask. Over the Christmas break I got to go to Guatemala with Pine Cove on one of their Commission Camping trip. Those ten days were truly the trip of a life time. To explain more, here is the letter I sent to the people who supported me through prayer and donations. The letter will help you understand the pictures I posted below :)....(also- Princesitas de Jesus, was the cabin name of the group of girls I helped counsel)...

Georgie, Me, and Xaris

Guatemalan and American Team

My cabin and Vicky

 Some of the girl leaders

Hola mis amigos y familia,

    I sit here back in the States after serving our God in Guatemala for ten days, and cannot help but feel humbled to have had the experiences I had, because of your prayers and donations.  Thank you for being a part of this trip. I believe we all have pivotal moments in our lives that have/will forever impact us, and Guatemala is surely one of mine.
    I would love to take the opportunity to describe all that I did, but for times sake and incase I miss anything, I encourage you to read through our team’s blog about the trip. The blog can be found at PCRanchGuatemala.wordpress.com (you will be excited to find a hilarious picture of me as the thumbnail screen for a video post!).  Now more about what I did and how I was impacted through my Guatemalan partner and campers…

    Along with fifteen other Pine Cove staff, I safely arrived to Guatemala on a Monday evening and was welcomed by some very friendly Guatemalans, who would eventually become my dear friends. We stayed in Guatemala City that night, and then rode in a school bus down the mountain towards a rural town. As we pull into a fruit farm, I realize this is where we would run the camps. This is where we would prepare the way for His love to reach Guatemalan children, whom six months ago, I did not even think about. To preface the rest of the letter, our team was not only there to put on two Christian camps, but more so to train the Guatemalan leaders how we organize our camps so that they can put on a camp by themselves one day. Because of this purpose, each Pine Cover staffer was given a Guatemalan partner to work with.  After going through a training session the first day with the leaders from both countries, we were assigned our partners through a matching game. My word, “pies” or feet, matched with Georgie’s word, “zapatos” or shoes, and from that point on I would meet one of the people that the Lord used to influence me the most on this trip.
    Georgie is the Guatemalan that I spent the most time with, and we counseled 13 nine-year olds. Nine-year-olds require a lot of energy, attention, and patience, and Georgie provided all of that to them. She was incredible. O, did I mention Georgie is a 41-year-old Pastor and mother of a seven-year-old daughter? Being able to watch a mother sacrifice her time and energy to love on these children was inspiring. She never hesitated to play a game of futbol (soccer) with the girls, chant funny cheers with them, or laugh.  I have never even considered counseling nine-year-olds when I turn forty, and yet there she was serving them, giving up her time, and still mothering her daughter so well.  I loved watching and serving with her. One of the pivotal moments on the trip was watching Georgie talk to our campers and seeing Christ-like characteristics in her such as humility, kindness, love, compassion, and joy. Then it hit me, the fact Georgie possesses all of these qualities that my family and friends who are Christians possess is not because they watch the same movies or read the same fictional books, but because the same God that loves us and is with us, is the exact same God that is with Georgie and the One she has devoted her life to.  He truly is THE God of the Universe!

       God not only opened my eyes through Georgie, but also my heart through our campers.  The day we got the girls, I was frustrated and wanted to cry. Yes, it’s true I really did! Not because of the girls or missing my family, but because I couldn’t talk to them like I wanted to. I took some Spanish classes, but I am definitely not fluent in the language. The first two-hours with them were so hard because I had been so excited to meet them, and I just wanted to feel a connection with them. Then God showed me that there is nothing that I can do to impact them, but only He can. I was humbled, and thankful that He showed me love truly is the universal language and while I’m not naturally inclined to show love through physical touch or without words, the girls and I began to bond with hugs, smiles, and playing with them in the pool. God took away my pride and replaced it with humility. 
          Be encouraged also about His work within the children of Guatemala! While we were there 6 of the girls in Georgie’s and my cabin accepted Christ as their Savior, and over twenty more children stood up in front of the camp to proclaim their desire to follow God! It was amazing to see them recognize that because of their sins, they deserve death, and then for them not only to desire a Savior, but also to realize He already foreknew their needs! They acknowledged that God sent His only Son to pay the ultimate penalty and die on the cross to redeem them and give them the gift of salvation! These observations were incredible, and impacted me so much. The weight of the gospel on their hearts and its urgency on a people of a completely different nation and culture solidified its truth and realness to me.

    I want to share all these things with you to not only encourage to continue praying for His development of the camp through the Guatemalan leaders, but to also thank-you for being apart of these experiences. I am humbled by your love for me.  I pray this letter reminds you of vastness of our God, how He truly is the creator of our Universe! Thank-you for being apart of the His plan for the gospel to reach all of the nations.

Joyfully His,

 Lex

Simply Sunday's Sweet Study Song & Scripture

         Okay I won't continue to make this post full of "S" words haha.  With the four finals I have in these next three days, this week is beyond anything that I can handle on my own(prayers please!). And while it is incredibly tempting to feel overwhelmed and stressed, I am consistently reminded of how our God is SO much bigger than what this week has in store. Two things that calm my heart when I feel overwhelmed are songs and scripture (as you might be able to tell with some of the previous posts).  So whether you are a student in the middle of finals, a mother in the middle of balancing children, or burdened by other things, cast your burdens on our Lord who comforts and never leaves us (Immanuel).

Matthew 1:22-23

  ^"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). "

Hope you enjoy these :)

Chris Quilala - Your Love Never Fails

Eric Hutchinson - Breakdown More

Psalm 16

 ¹ Keep me safe, my God,
   for in you I take refuge.

 ² I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
   apart from you I have no good thing.”
³ I say of the holy people who are in the land,
   “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
⁴ Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
   I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
   or take up their names on my lips.

 ⁵ LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup;
   you make my lot secure.
⁶ The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
   surely I have a delightful inheritance.
⁷ I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
   even at night my heart instructs me.
⁸ I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
   With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

 ⁹ Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
   my body also will rest secure,
¹⁰ because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
   nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
¹¹ You make known to me the path of life;
   you will fill me with joy in your presence,
   with eternal pleasures at your right hand. 

Joyfully His, 

Lex

Rich in Love

 

 Shane & Shane - Psalm 145

My prayer is that you listen to these lyrics and this scripture and realize how loved you are by a God who is rich in love for you. 

A psalm of praise from David. Psalm 145-

  Lord, I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever.  Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.  Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.  One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.  They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works.  They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds.  They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.  The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.  The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.  All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you.  They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might,  so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.  Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made.  The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.  The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.  The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.  He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.  The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.  My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

Simply complex

 One of my favorite magazines to scramble through whenever I get the time is Real Simple.  Their slogan, "life made easier, every day", seems valid to what I have come to know. But then again, every time I look at it, I get inspired to do more and more things, and at the end, my thoughts become more complex about ideas I want to do because of how many choices there are to make. 

For example, they currently are showing different ways to set a table. (Aren't they all wonderful?!). In studying them I realize how similar this idea is to us as humans and the purpose that we serve...this may be a stretch, but walk with me...

Each of these settings are all uniquely and specifically made. All have different themes. Different colors. Different center-pieces. Different silverware. Different drinks.             



When considering myself compared to you, we are strikingly similar. We were uniquely and thoughtfully designed and created to be made in the image of God. We have different personalities. Maybe a different gender. Different families. Different interests. Different passions. Different friends. Different favorite movies. And even all the way down to having a different fingerprint.

Unlike any one else in the world.

And while growing up, we spend so much time to emphasize our differences to distinguish ourselves from the rest of our friends...and while, we may all choose to do different things, we were created to serve the same purpose. To bring glory to God.




Although some people may encourage you to "just pick one" when trying to decide between the endless choices and colors when setting "your table", we need to realize that it is really important for us to actively choose the things we incorporate into our lives, because they affect the way we live.

Every day we have choices to make in what we want to pour into ourselves. Good friends that spur us on or someone who brings you down.

Do you listen to rap music all day long, or do you choose to listen and sing songs that praise His name and don't affect your mind?

Do you treat your body as a temple...with what you eat, how you dress, and if you exercise and get enough sleep?

 I've realized that I forget how important it is to be honorable even in the little things, for they affect me just as much.

 I guess my encouragement to you is to not compare yourself to others, to realize how unique and intricately created you are from our heavenly Father, and to put thought into what you choose to incorporate into your life.

Joyfully His, 

Lex

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart."

Jeremiah 29:13

Song & Scripture

This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 

 

"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you.

No remain in my love."

 

If you obey my commands then you will remain in my love, as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in His love.

 

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

 

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one that this, that he would lay down his life for his friends. 

John 15:8-13

This song has blessed me so much recently, hope you enjoy!

 

The Garden - NeedtoBreathe

Also, they will be in Austin,TX on November 30th if you would like to see them in concert :)

Joyfully His,  Lex

Hand-written fingerprints

A camper of mine recently and I decided to start to hand write each other. There is just something so special about receiving something in the mail, and of all people who take advantage of the opportunity my mother is THE best about sending me mail. Even if it is something simple. This past week she just sent me a little post-it and a clipping from a newspaper article over a J.Crew skirt to show all of my roomies. She is so thoughtful, and I pray that I will be just a loving to my children as she has done to me. I think there is something so unique about receiving a hand written note in the mail.

Notes have more power and impact when they are hand written. Our script is a form of our fingerprints, each uniquely designed to convey our personalities and who we are. 

And not to mention, opening an envelope is like opening a present! Even if you know what is inside, tearing away the bound "sticky stuff"(excuse the loss of words) is such a simple joy! Please tell me who doesn't secretively love that?

It is also crazy to think about how over two decades, technology has literally changed the way we communicate with others. Think about the impact that men, like Steve Jobs, have had on our world. And with people like me, who value time so much and potentially are losing patience, our world is continuing to increase the speed at which we live life.  I understand the benefits and convenience of texting and emailing, however, I encourage you to take the time to write one hand-written note to someone this week. Journal and write to the Lord, write an encouragement letter to your roommate, write a thank you letter to the custodian you always see working... Today I am thankful for hand-written notes.

Rent the Runway

I have the privilege to be a "Sweetheart" for a Men's organization at my university.  There are so many opportunities to encourage in this position, and a little quirk to also is that the sweethearts get to go to all of the social events! That being said it is a little over a week until the formal and I still don't know who my date is, but all of my friends say that he is going to be such a fun date! I'm so excited, but date if you're out there please ask me soon...I can't let the suspense get any bigger!

Until then, I came across an ordeal on what to wear...

I don't quite want to purchase another long dress since I don't believe I will need that many in the future, so I came across this wonderful website that lets you rent designer dresses for so cheap compared to their retail price!(on the condition you mail it back after you use it!).

I looked into the website and they seem trustworthy. A friend of mine previously used the company for a semi-formal dress earlier this year and loved her experience with them. They let you choose from several different dresses, and they even send you two different sizes to choose from so you'll never have to worry about fit!

Ladies and...ladies, I present to you Rent the Runway

To speak kindly...

When asked how this  past week was, I have described it as busy, fun, convicting, and uplifting. Objectively it consisted of three tests, two date parties(although I chose to partake in only one so I could study-that's for you mom!), an intramural softball game, a roomie's bday, and organizational meetings...a bit overwhelming at times, can you tell? Did I mention the normal duties of school too? I guess we can throw that in the mix as well.

Now while these tasks can be accompanied by stress, tiredness, and memorizing, please know it has been ever delightful week due to the words that have been spoken to me.  Whether it was just one of those wonderful conversations I have with a roommate or my discipleship partner, a letter from a camper, the endless little notes my mother sends me, or the simple words of encouragement that I have received... thank you for blessing me with your words.

Looking back, I am humbled by how I often waste so many breathes in speaking meaningless words. If you really think about it, how crazy is it that a combination of a few letters can exude so much emotion from someone. Words like "love", "beautiful", "successful", and "worthy" can build up a person. Everyone is different, but what a concept that is. And when you think about how these words can impact a relationship, I can't help but to think about how impactful speaking/praying to my Father is.

It is also unfathomable how many opportunities we have each day to impact those around us with our words, and how easy it is to do so. Even if it is just a simple "hello" or a little compliment, words can bless someone's day.

Let's keep our eyes open for the endless opportunites we have to speak kindly...

"He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

1 Thessalonians 5:10-11

Joyfully His, 

 Lex

"If you build it.... [they] will come"

What a great line from "Field of Dreams"... and speaking of, apparently this blog thing is a little harder to do than expected.

Proposition: I'll work on the "building" part if you "come"...deal? deal :)


Geez, where to start? it's been a while and SO much has happened since my last post including an addition to our household('Levi" our puppy) and one of my best friends got engaged! I can't fill you in on everything now, but here's quick list of my Simple Joys :

1. My roomates: they'll definitely deserve more recognition than just a list of their names, but it'll come soon :)  Allie(bathroom buddy and so thoughtful of others!),  Lindsay (funniest and most genuine friend one can find), Kenzie (corky, fashionable, and is the sweetest encourager), and Julie ( newly engaged! The Lord blessed me so much through providing an incredible roomate in Jules, please keep her and her fiance in your prayers during this exciting stage of their lives!).

2. Playing sports with friends: My best friends formed a softball team called the  "Bunts-N-Burners"(get it?) and I have had so much fun playing with them. Also some of my close girl friends who played volleyball in high school formed a vball team. "High School Heroes"! It has been AMAZING to play on the court again!

3. Blogs: Sugar Plum is one of my FAVORITES! Maybe because I love food, but also because this blog is incredible! It provides so many recipes for baking or cooking needs, and the pictures make you want to eat everything right then and there...H.E.B. run pronto! Look for yourself-

 

 

Is your mouth watering now?

Keep your eyes open for simple things that brighten your day and give thanks :)

Joyfully His,
     Lex

"Be  joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"We are family...."

Dad and sis celebrating receiving my college ring(it's a big deal where I go)

There are many things that I am thankful for in life, but I can never give enough thanks to the Lord for blessing me with an incredible family that He has.

Family. When stated, that word can spur up a mix of emotions, thoughts, and attitudes. No family is perfect, and surely mine is far from it. Regardless, we are each divinely appointed into our families by God exactly where He desires us to be. Some of you may not be able to define any family members through proof of DNA, but my hope is that you realize that's not all there is to who He places in your family. My family not only includes my siblings, parents, and other relatives, but it includes my friends, my roommates, my campers, my mentors, and those that join with me in bringing glory to His name. One of my favorite verses is found in Ephesians 6:10-

"Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers."

While I'm still a college student, there are so many times I look back and think about how I could have better loved my parents and siblings. I was just reminded of how thankful I am for each individual I consider in my family. The Lord calls us to "provide for our relatives" (1 Timothy 5). So whether that is providing comfort or support in a time where family is all they have to lean on, more discipline in doing our chores(yes I know, I can't believe I mentioned that either), or simply providing more love through our actions and words, I challenge you to join with me in trying not to become numb to the people and things that God provides us on a daily basis. Nothing besides His love is guaranteed in this world. So who are we to act as if it is? Make a difference today. Show love to your family. Actively seek Him.

Till next time, I would like to introduce to you a few of my family members:

Mom, me, El, and Dad...Garen couldn't come till later that night

My coach and teacher

Papou(greek for Grandfather), he has taught me so much about faith and family

Some of my family celebrating ring day

My other sisters/roomies :)

 Joyfully His,
       Lex